Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) showcased its production-ready eBorn SUV, the e VITARA, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, which was recently unveiled by Suzuki Motor Corporation in Milan, Italy. The model will be produced at the company's Gujarat facility and India will serve as the manufacturing hub for other markets.  

Commenting on the launch, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales at MSIL Partho Banerjee said, "The e VITARA  is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility and technological innovation. Combining advanced electric technology with a customer-centric approach, Maruti Suzuki aims to deliver a transformative EV experience that simplifies battery electric vehicle ownership."

Banerjee highlighted a key focus on overcoming the challenge of accessible charging infrastructure. "We are committed to introducing a reliable and comprehensive EV ecosystem alongside the e VITARA. This includes home charging solutions and a nationwide network of fast chargers across Maruti Suzuki dealerships and service touchpoints, making EVs more accessible and appealing," he said

Designed as an 'Emotional Versatile Cruiser', the e VITARA seamlessly merges advanced technology with contemporary design. Positioned to meet evolving market demands, the e VITARA aims to set new standards for EV performance in India, aligning with the country’s push towards sustainable mobility.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of the ‘Hyundai Innovation Challenge 2026’. The initiative invites applications from high-potential startups to collaborate on developing next-generation mobility and automobile technologies.

The program is curated and supported in partnership with ZER01NE, Hyundai Motor Group’s global open innovation platform. The challenge is structured as a 6-month innovation initiative designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial concepts and commercial validation. Hyundai Motor India is seeking cutting-edge software and hardware solutions across several core technology pillars – electrification & alternative energy systems; new mobility models & connectivity frameworks; Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS); Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven automotive tools and next-generation integrated vehicle technologies.

While the application platform outlines 15 specific focus areas, the automaker encourages startups to submit any disruptive ideas that demonstrate strong potential for high-impact mobility solutions, even if they fall outside the listed criteria.

The program will run on a structured evaluation pipeline managed by LINK Innovation, a global startup consulting and accelerator platform. Startups can submit their entries through the designated LINK Innovation website until the end of June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the open timeline, judged against a set of preliminary technical and operational parameters. Shortlisted startups will undergo a rigorous review focusing specifically on their technology and product readiness levels. Shortlisted candidates will progress to a final pitch round hosted before HMIL's top management.

The selected startups for the final cohort will gain access to Hyundai's industrial capabilities to transform theoretical concepts into market-ready products. They will get opportunities to co-create future mobility solutions alongside Hyundai Motor India, backed by dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) grants. Hands-on technical guidance and expert mentorship from engineering specialists. Access to Hyundai’s robust commercial ecosystem and customer base to unlock market exposure. Long-term avenues for potential corporate investments and enduring strategic business partnerships.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai Motor India, we strongly believe that the future of mobility will be shaped by collaboration, innovation and bold thinking. The Hyundai Innovation Challenge, curated in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group's ZER01NE team, is designed to bring together some of the brightest minds and most promising startups to co-create solutions that redefine mobility."

“Given India’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and its growing influence on global innovation, the Hyundai Innovation Challenge is poised to bring new tech innovations to the world of mobility. At HMIL, we see startups as partners and co-creators of a smarter, more sustainable future," said Garg.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has released the initial exterior sketches of its upcoming flagship electric vehicle, the Skoda Peaq. The seven-seater SUV marks a new design direction for the brand, utilising clean surfaces, structured details and signature electric vehicle styling cues.

The world premiere of the new flagship SUV is scheduled to take place in Monnetier-Mornex, France, at 18:25 on 23 June 2026.

The exterior of the Peaq represents a consistent application of Skoda's new ‘Modern Solid’ design framework. The aesthetic balances rugged proportions with minimalist, aerodynamic elements tailored for the electric era.

The front features slender, T-shaped headlights and a gloss-black ‘Tech-Deck Face’. A connecting element runs between the assemblies to form a frame-like loop motif, which contrasts against a pronounced, volcano-shaped lower bumper.

The side profile is dominated by a high shoulder line and wide D-pillars to emphasise a wide, stable stance. The sketches also reveal flush door handles seamlessly integrated into the structured body panels to optimise aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, the Skoda Peaq echoes the front design language with matching T-shaped taillights and a unified connecting element, establishing a cohesive loop motif that serves as a distinct visual signature.

Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design, Skoda Auto, said, “In designing the exterior of the Skoda Peaq, we consistently applied the Modern Solid design language, combining clean lines, balanced proportions and distinctive elements. Precisely sculpted surfaces and clearly structured details create a confident, timeless presence, while signature features such as the T-shaped headlights and Tech-Deck Face express Skoda’s identity in a new electric era.”

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Honda India Foundation (HIF) has inaugurated a new Driving Practice Zone (DPZ) in Mahendragarh, marking the first facility of its kind in the state of Haryana. The community infrastructure project is designed to provide aspiring drivers with a safe, structured environment to practice driving skills and undergo essential road safety training. The facility will be fully accessible and open to the general public free of cost.

The project targets a prominent infrastructure gap common in Tier II and Tier III towns, where a lack of formal, dedicated driving enclosures often compels learners to practice on public roads, escalating safety risks for themselves and other commuters.

The newly opened Driving Practice Zone incorporates both practical and academic training spaces to build comprehensive driver competency before individuals transition to public roads –

• Dedicated Practice Tracks: Specially engineered tracks to help learner drivers systematically build vehicle control, operational confidence, and manoeuvring skills.
• Theoretical Classroom: A dedicated indoor learning space utilised for theoretical instructional sessions, focused on enhancing traffic rule compliance and general road awareness.

Vinay Dhingra, Trustee of the Honda India Foundation, said, “Road safety begins with access to the right training environment. Through this Driving Practice Zone, we aim to provide learner drivers with a safe, structured space to build driving skills, improve awareness and develop responsible road behaviour before they begin driving on public roads. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to making road safety training more accessible at the community level.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of its popular new Innova Crysta in India. The updated multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) introduces targeted design updates and added cabin convenience features while preserving the foundational mechanical architecture of the long-running Innova brand.

The introduction follows a legacy spanning over two decades in the Indian market, where the Innova brand has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 1.3 million units.

The new Innova Crysta features subtle exterior and interior design revisions aimed at providing a contemporary, premium aesthetic without altering the vehicle's familiar silhouette.

On the outside, the front profile receives a newly styled radiator grille and updated front bumper garnish. The rear profile has been updated with refreshed bumper garnish elements to enhance visual solidity.

The interior introduces new dual-tone leather seat upholstery alongside updated trim finishes. The instrument panel, door trims and bezels feature ‘Grace Copper’ and wood-pattern highlights. Additionally, the AC controls, switches and rear seat-back table incorporate refined detailing to improve perceived quality. Functional additions to the feature list include a wireless smartphone charger and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The vehicle retains Toyota's established mechanical layout, optimised for low-end torque and long-distance drivability.

The Innova Cysta is powered exclusively by a 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with a manual transmission. The powertrain configuration delivers a certified fuel efficiency of up to 15 kmpl.

It gets up to seven airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Start Assist Control for safety.

The MPV is backed by a standard warranty of 3 years/100,000 km (extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km), supported by 24x7 roadside assistance and flexible retail finance options.

The new Innova Crysta is available in five colour options – Platinum White Pearl, Super White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic. It is structured across both 7-seater (7S) and 8-seater (8S) configurations with prices starting at INR 1.97 million up to INR 2.66 million for the top-end variant (ex-showroom).

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Having sold over 1.3 million units of brand Innova, the Innova Crysta has set unmatched benchmarks in the MPV segment through its two-decade legacy of reliability, comfort, and value. The refreshed New Innova Crysta introduces subtle yet meaningful updates, bringing a renewed sense of freshness while retaining the unrivalled qualities customers value most. Guided by continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation, we remain committed to delivering trusted mobility for every stage of life.”

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